Riff

reef

noun RIF Rare

Origin: from Dutch rif

Usage Note

Riff is neuter and names an underwater rock or coral ridge. Mariners fear a Riff near coasts; a coral one is a Korallenriff, the largest being Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Examples

"Das Schiff lief auf ein Riff auf."

Natural Translation

The ship ran aground on a reef.

Literal Translation

The ship ran on a reef up.

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